Box Scraper Box blades are great, but will they do this?

[IslandTractor]

I'm no expert but before I invested the time and money in a plow and disc I might try the S style field cultivator. That would not turn under the existing grass but would certainly open up soil for new seed. 100 acres is a lot of land to plow and disc so if there is a quicker solution it would be worth trying. I'd guess that you could cultivate a field in about the same time it would take to mow it while plowing and discing would at least quadruple the time commitment. I do agree that a box blade is not close to the right tool though. It would be clogged up constantly. A scarifier might work but it is really just an aggressive field cultivator in a sense and would snag on rocks and roots that a field cultivator would just spring over.

 

[elvi]

Hi everyone,

There is a chance that we'll be able to burn these pastures before we do this, which i imagine would help, but not having to burn is a lot more flexible.


Thanks - Dave

Dave. Howdy from the Hill country. A controlled burn would be the best to bring that slice of prairie back to life and with the rains this week and cooler weather I would suggest that as your 1st choice.

We do controlled burns with great result, but my land has never seen a plow. It's actually as it was 200 years ago; so I have a good assortment of Blackland prarie and hill county vegetation.

I have not attempted what you suggest. Was this by advice from the State or Forestry Service?

Thanx.

Elvis

 

[charlz]

A good burn would certainly clean up all the 'trash' and likely make the disk more effective.

 

[kossetx]

But a good burn isn't going to rid you of an introduced grass.

I suggest you find a local with a 12'+ disc and turn it under. A lot of native seed might come up with a good tilling. I wouldn't worry about drilling grass seed. Just drag over it.

 

[/pine]

If your lift has position control you may be able to set the scarifier teeth to their lowest point and keep the blade up high enough for the debris to pass under.

 

[sld]

What about a good harrow?

 

[jenkinsph]

John Deere Ag - New Equipment Features for PC10 Series Field Cultivators




For the money and convenience try this field cultivator I have one and it does a good job. About $800 or close to it for the PC 1072 with S tines.


Steve

 

[two_bit_score]

You should check w/ your conservation office. First they can help you in reestablishing methods for native prairies. They may also have an equipment share program that you could get use of a seeder. In Missouri, the conservation office is very active in getting native areas and helping landowners.

That's where I would start. They probably know someone who can do no-till also.

 

[JKirkwood]

Here is a quick note from the Missouri Prairie Foundation website:
"Winter Seeding of Native Grasses and Forbs

If you have sprayed your tall fescue or other unwanted exotic species to prepare your seed bed by the winter, we recommend broadcast planting your native prairie grasses and forb seed in December or the first week of January. A common mistake in native plantings is seeding your expensive prairie species too deep, so let Mother Nature do most of the work. You can use a harrow to rough up the surface and a culti-packer after the seed has been broadcast to insure seed to soil contact. The freezing and thawing action over the winter should work the seed to the proper depth."

Check these links for lots of info:
Missouri Prairie Foundation

MDC Library

Also, check on CRP funds to help pay for reestablishing native fields.

 

[Tritonman]

Absolutely disc it and get it to what you want. Then I would cultivate it and drag it to smooth it out nicely.